Charm and Wonders of London – 4-Day Itinerary
Charm and wonders of London
4 Day Itinerary
In this post, I’ll share my best tips to save money on your trip to London without missing out on any of the city’s wonders.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this itinerary will take you through everything London has to offer! Plus, I’ll give you some essential budget-friendly tips to help you enjoy the city without overspending.
Join me on this adventure and discover London without breaking the bank!
- Tips for Traveling Cheap to London: How to Save Money and Avoid Unpleasant Surprises
- Discover the Charm of Notting Hill: Colorful Houses and Vintage Shops
- Explore London Like a Local: Save Money with the Iconic Double-Decker Buses
- Guide to London’s Lively Nightlife: Pubs, Clubs, and Delicious Food Near Piccadilly Circus
- Explore London’s Most Authentic Markets: Columbia Road Market and Camden Vintage Market
- Experience the Charm of London’s Chinatown: Recommendations and Authentic Flavors
- London Sightseeing Tour: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Borough Market
- Discover a Fusion of Flavors and Stunning Views at SushiSamba London
- A Hidden Little Port Beneath Tower Bridge
- What to Pack for London? The 6 Must-Have Accessories for Your Trip
Tips for Traveling Cheap to London:
How to Save Money
and Avoid Unpleasant Surprises
In my experience as a traveler, I’ve learned that sometimes cheap can end up being expensive. Specifically, the flight from Madrid or Barcelona to London takes only two and a half hours, and low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and others offer round-trip fares for as low as €60.
However, you should be prepared for rather poor travel conditions.
When I traveled to London, I booked one of these low-cost flights several months in advance. However, we still had to pay an additional €60 for our carry-on bag, which, according to Madrid Court Ruling No. 787/2022, is unfair. The ruling states that a carry-on bag is part of the minimum necessary luggage and should not be treated as checked baggage.
Fortunately, we found a useful link that explained how to file a baggage claim to recover the extra money we paid. I’m sharing it here in case you find yourself in a similar situation.
Additionally, to get such attractive prices, you must be willing to accept inconvenient flight schedules. In our case, our flight departed from Barajas at 10:10 PM and arrived at Stansted at 11:40 PM.
Although, in theory, we had enough time to catch the last train to London, our flight was delayed by two hours, forcing us to take an Uber for £120 to reach the city center.
It’s important to highlight that, in the end, the extra costs we had to pay were more than double the initial flight price. That’s why it might be worth considering a slightly more expensive flight to avoid these unexpected expenses.
If you still find yourself in a similar situation, we recommend using Uber in London instead of the airport taxi service, as Uber fares are about 30% cheaper.
Although our flight experience was unfortunate, we were excited to explore everything London had to offer – and we have no regrets at all. Despite the challenges, we managed to enjoy an amazing getaway in Europe’s most vibrant city.
Don’t let setbacks ruin your trip! Follow our tips and enjoy London without breaking the bank.
Discover the Charm of Notting Hill: Colorful Houses and Vintage Shops
If you’re looking for a charming neighborhood in London, you can’t miss Notting Hill. This area is famous for its beautifully colored houses, which have become a true tourist attraction. But Notting Hill has much more to offer beyond its picturesque homes. Here, you’ll find vintage shops filled with unique treasures and special finds that make for perfect souvenirs from your trip.
If you decide to visit Notting Hill, I recommend going in the morning and grabbing a coffee to-go before heading to Portobello Road, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. After your walk, recharge at Farm Girl, a hidden gem that serves a delicious brunch. While there might be a bit of a wait to get in, the price and quality of the food are absolutely worth it.
Don’t miss this must-visit spot on your trip to London!
Explore London Like a Local: Save Money with the Iconic Double-Decker Buses
If you’re planning to explore London by bus, we recommend choosing a more affordable and authentic option. Instead of spending money on an expensive tourist bus, consider hopping on one of the city’s iconic double-decker public buses. For just £1.70, you can enjoy incredible views of the city while traveling from one place to another.
For an even more special experience, we suggest sitting on the upper deck, right above the driver. From there, you’ll get a clear panoramic view of the city, free from obstructions. Plus, you’ll get to feel like a true Londoner and experience the authentic local atmosphere.
Guide to London’s Lively Nightlife: Pubs, Clubs, and Delicious Food Near Piccadilly Circus
Do you want to experience London’s vibrant nightlife like a true local? Then don’t miss our top recommendation: start with cocktails around 6-7 PM and get ready for the party to kick off at 8 PM.
And if you’re someone who can party until dawn, you’re in luck – on Fridays and Saturdays, nightclubs stay open until 3 AM!
The most popular nightlife area in London is Soho, where you’ll find plenty of outdoor terraces along Carnaby Street to enjoy a drink under the open sky. And if you’re looking for a place to dance, there are many pubs with dance floors, each offering a unique vibe and music style.
We recommend two places we visited and absolutely loved:
Louche Soho – A pub that transforms into a nightclub after 10 PM, perfect for pop music lovers and a local atmosphere.
Salsa – A fun Latin music venue with Reggaeton and Salsa beats. But a word of advice – don’t order a «Cuba Libre», as it’s undrinkable! Instead, go for the delicious «Gin for Gin» cocktail.
And to recharge after the party, don’t miss Wok and Fire near Piccadilly Circus, where you can enjoy a delicious meal for just £5.80.
Explore London’s Most Authentic Markets: Columbia Road Market and Camden Vintage Market
Discover two of the most authentic markets in London and immerse yourself in a world of color and aromas.
Columbia Road Market is a must-visit for flower and plant lovers, offering a huge variety of species and scents that will captivate you. If you visit in the morning, be sure to enjoy one of the many brunch spots along the same street.
And if you’re a fan of Dr. Martens boots, you can’t miss Blackman’s Shoes, a hidden gem near the market with amazing deals. But be careful! It’s only open on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so make sure to include it in your Sunday itinerary.
In the afternoon, head to Camden Vintage Market, a neighborhood that will leave an impression, even if you’re not a vintage fashion enthusiast. The main street is spectacular, and you’ll love strolling through it.
Looking for something to eat? Stop by Rossopomodoro for an authentic Neapolitan pizza at affordable prices.
And don’t miss the Vintage Camden Market, located just past a small bridge to the left of the main street. Here, you’ll find everything from jewelry to leather jackets. While prices may be typical for London, you can always try bargaining!
Experience the Charm of London’s Chinatown: Recommendations and Authentic Flavors
Discover the understated charm of London’s Chinatown, a small yet picturesque area you simply can’t miss. While it may not be as large as New York’s Chinatown, its nighttime atmosphere is amazing, making it the perfect spot for an authentic dinner.
We recommend Four Seasons, where you can indulge in their famous glazed duck—tender and delicious, like a lover’s kiss.
Don’t miss the chance to stroll through Chinatown’s colorful streets and soak in its vibrant nightlife. Though it’s small, it has a unique charm that will leave a lasting impression. You won’t regret it!
London Sightseeing Tour: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Borough Market
Discover London’s most important tourist attractions on your last day of visit. Monday is the perfect day to avoid crowds and fully enjoy your sightseeing experience.
Start your day with a visit to the majestic Buckingham Palace. If you’re lucky, you might witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place on alternate days at 11 AM.
From the palace, enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk through a park with a beautiful swan lake to reach the iconic Big Ben. We recommend stopping at this spot on the map for the best photo opportunities.
The London Eye is impressive, but if you don’t want to go up, we’ll soon share the best spot to enjoy London’s skyline from above.
Just 20 minutes by bus, you’ll find Borough Market, where you can try the famous fish and chips. The queue might be long, but we guarantee it’s worth it!
And if you still have room for dessert, don’t miss their delicious cheesecake – one of the best you’ll ever try!
Discover a Fusion of Flavors and Stunning Views at SushiSamba London
Discover the glamour and elegance of SushiSamba, a restaurant-bar located on the 39th floor of Heron Tower, offering an exquisite fusion of Peruvian, Brazilian, and Japanese cuisine. This place is synonymous with sophistication and chic ambiance, so be sure to dress appropriately to fully enjoy its charm.
If you can splurge on dinner (which costs around £150 per person), the delicious food will leave you speechless. But if you’re on a tighter budget, you can still enjoy a drink at the bar. Cocktails cost around £15, and if you’re unsure what to order, we highly recommend the Samba Sour – our absolute favorite!
Beyond the amazing food, SushiSamba offers a breathtaking view of London’s financial district from its sky-high location. Whether day or night, you’ll be treated to spectacular panoramic views that will take your breath away. From here, you can admire the city’s iconic skyscrapers and its vibrant urban life.
Don’t miss the chance to experience SushiSamba, a place that seamlessly blends sophistication and flavor in an exclusive setting. You’ll love it! Just make sure to dress elegantly to fully enjoy everything this unique venue has to offer.
A Hidden Little Port Beneath Tower Bridge
Few tourists know about this place, and that’s precisely what makes it so unique. When you step inside, it feels like you’ve been teleported to Italy.
It’s the perfect spot for dinner after SushiSamba, offering a wide variety of charming little restaurants.
Heads up! Londoners eat very early—if you arrive after 9:30 PM, you might not be able to get food service anymore!
We stayed at Dickens Inn, and I highly recommend their sausages with mushroom sauce—a truly authentic British meal.
The place itself is straight out of a dream—originally built as a warehouse in the 18th century, it was later rebuilt and transformed into a bar. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time!
